Lawmakers Hear Support for Naming Roslindale Tennis Courts After Community Activist Kim O'Connell

Representative Rob Consalvo introduced H.4259, a bill that would direct the Department of Conservation and Recreation to name the tennis courts at Weir Park (Roslindale) after Kim O’Connell.

Consalvo described O’Connell as a long‑time neighborhood activist and civic volunteer. Beth (identified as Kim’s longtime friend and community partner) testified about O’Connell’s decades of neighborhood organizing—founding the Dale Street Crime Watch, participating in the Healthy Roslindale Special Needs Parents Advisory Council and the Southwest Boston CDC, and working on park improvements. She recounted O’Connell’s successful, years‑long effort to prevent private development of a one‑acre parcel adjacent to Sharon Woods and her advocacy for park renovations, including the replacement of broken basketball courts with tennis courts that now host tennis and pickleball play.

Kevin O’Connell, Kim’s husband, also testified about her community service and the family’s connection to the neighborhood; he described Kim’s habit of keeping Weir Park clean and her long service as a state court clerk before retirement. Committee members offered condolences and invited other written tributes.

Why it matters: the measure is ceremonial but recognizes local civic leadership and park stewardship. The committee accepted oral testimony and invited additional written material; no vote was taken during the hearing.